Renovating and squeaky stairs?
Question:How can I do a temporary quick fix on sqeaky stairs while waiting to finish the basement reno? I will be replacing them, but not right away. I have open acsess to the underside of the risers. It is all open at the moment. I just need to quiet the annoying noise.
Answers:
I have done many a squeaky staircase.
If you have the under access, you tap in wood shims they use for hanging doors.
You can do all of the stairs if you are alone. If you have a helper, have them be on the stairs to show you the noisy areas and then just tap a shim in form the back or front under the tread.
If that area still squeaks, you can stick a shim under the riser too. If it squeaks near the edges or sides, then tap one between the tread and the runner or the side support board.
Most stairs are buuilt with nails, so you can also pop a screw next to each nail once you got the shims in place and the squeaks down to a minimum and the screws may make them silent.
If you can manage it, find the culprit and squeeze wood glue in the gap of the offending stair.
Contrary to general belief, it is better to have one or more steps squeak and floor boards squeak. This way, if someone breaks in, the squeak will alert you some is moving around.
First, The squeak comes from where they nailed the tread to the riser, the tread is loose and rubbing around the nail producing the noise (squeak). (the hole the nail is in has become bigger then the nail). use construction glue on the bottom of the risers and then run some new nails in from the top of each tread into the riser. 6 penny common nails will be OK, you wont split the old riser. It will last another 20 years.
I would find the squueky culprits, Counter sink a narrow drill hole into the area, and then drive a screw in. Out some wood putty over the screw and a little stain stick to match it.
It will look good and be real quiet
More Related Questions & Answers...